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Sky Sports Scout - Alex Smithies

Sky Sports Scout is where we scour the globe looking out for the best talent, next up is Alex Smithies.

We run the rule over English starlet Alex Smithies

Sky Sports Scout is our exciting feature where we scour the globe looking out for the best talent and bringing you a report on what we find. Our Scout will report back and you can comment on what you think of our appraisal. Also, in association with Football Manager, we give all readers the chance to win a copy of the latest game by nominating a player. You can only nominate a player by emailing here, including the word 'Scout' in your subject line. Should your player get reviewed by our scout, and you were first to send in his name, then you will win a copy of Football Manager Live! - which includes a pre-paid four-month subscription. Latest under our scout's gaze is Huddersfield's Alex Smithies - recommended by Sky Sports reader Graeme Rayner.

The scout reports...

Alex Smithies is already considered one of the finest young goalkeepers in British football. He has featured for England at every level up to U19s but he is already being tipped as a future No.1 for his country. Smithies made his debut for Huddersfield in October but by December he was already established as first-choice under Lee Clark, which just shows how highly regarded he is. Smithies is one of the new breed of goalkeepers in that he is a skilful all-round footballer, and is as capable with his feet as he is with his hands. The 19-year-old has all the attributes needed to be a top-class keeper. He commands his area in a way that defies his age, whilst his shot-stopping and handling are top-notch. He has recently penned a new four-year deal at Huddersfield, but it remains to be seen how long they will be able to hang onto him.

The scout says...

Almost every Premier League club had scouted Smithies and it is little surprise given his potential. A couple of more years of first-team football would be the ideal scenario for the teenager, but for that to happen he may have to resist some major overtures in the meantime.

The Scout rating...

Handling: 8 out of 10 Kicking: 8 out of 10 Agility: 8 out of 10 Judgement: 7 out of 10 Positioning: 8 out of 10 Shot-stopping: 8 out of 10 Current ability: 8 out of 10 Potential ability : 10 out of 10 OVERALL SCOUT RATING: 65/80 Current value: £4million Potential value: £30million
Your opinion...
You have read our opinion of Alex Smithies - now we want your views. Have you seen Alex in action? Do you agree with our assessment? Do you think he will make it? And if you have spotted anyone you think we should feature then please get in touch using the same form. We will look to send out the Scout to follow up some of your leads.